PARADISE — Theatre On the Ridge in Paradise begins its 38th season Jan. 24 with the stunning classic story, "The Hound of the Baskervilles." It is the third of four crime novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, and originally written in 1901.

The story is set on Dartmoor in Devon in England's West Country and tells of an attempted murder inspired by the legend of a fearsome, diabolical hound.

The TOTR production isn't the usually sinister story of murder and mayhem. This "Hound of the Baskervilles" was adapted by British authors Steven Canny and John Nicholson from Doyle's celebrated 1901 novel. Their version is heavy on slapstick and light on suspense with three actors filling 16 roles on stage with tantalizing characters.

"It's a classic tale with a totally different treatment," explained TOTR director Judy Clemens. "It's a wild ride with these guys, let me tell you. It's a real challenge and we're having a lot of fun with all these characters. It's written for three actors to play all the roles, men and women. It's something everybody needs to come and see."

All three characters are seasoned TOTR actors. Conan Duch takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes. John Marek is his stalwart companion, Dr. John Watson. Eric Ricketts portrays Sir Henry Baskerville.

"We're having a ball," Clemens said. "There's a lot of room to have fun with this play and to improvise and work around the script. There's a lot of freedom in doing a 'spoof.' I love to do 'spoofs' of typical genre."

This comic thriller is a story of seemingly supernatural suspense featuring a demon dog, a family curse and the mysterious moors of Dartmoor. The story opens with Dr. James Mortimer, friend of the recently deceased Sir Charles Baskerville, asking for Sherlock's help in ending the family curse. They meet with Sir Henry Baskerville, heir to the Baskerville estate and the hound's probable next victim. Intrigued, Holmes sends Dr. Watson with Sir Henry to Dartmoor to collect clues until Holmes arrives.

Upon their arrival, Watson and Sir Henry meet a weird collection of unique characters. These include a suspicious naturalist Jack Stapleton, his sultry sister and the Barrymores, longtime domestic servants of Baskerville Hall.

As with most mysteries, this story relies on innuendo, misunderstandings and slight of hand. Comedy adds to the stew bringing a heaping helping of slapstick and a dash of double entendre.

TOTR encourages theatergoers to come and see this collision of verbal slapstick, absurd scenarios and wonderfully ridiculous comedic performances.

The show opens Jan. 24 and plays through Feb. 16 with Sunday matinees Feb. 3, 10 and 17. Opening night tickets, which include a catered champagne reception after the show, are $16 general, $20 reserved, $22 at the door. All other performances are $12 general, $15 reserved, $18 at the door.

Ticket outlets are The Vagabond Rose in Chico and Fir Street Gallery & Gifts in Paradise or online at www.totr.org. Box office, 877-5760.